Wedding Officiant

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. No matter how simple, there's no such thing as a common type of wedding. Every wedding should be as unique as the individuals who come to me.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. It's about trust and rapport. Fees can usually be reached by agreeement. Speak to me on the phone or by Skype first. If we communicate well, we'll work well together. This is an important day in your life, and I'll do my best to honor your wishes and guide you through the process here in NYC. I want this day to be as stress free as possible for you. Also, feel free to ask for other professional referrals.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. It's a great honor to officiate at a wedding. This honor carries with it great responsibility on the officiant's shoulders. This is a very important day in your life. A good wedding minister/officiant never forgets that and does not relax until your legal license is properly submitted to the City Clerk. Please make sure anyone you hire is legally registered with the City Clerk. You can ask to see my registration certificate.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. We officiants need to know the date, approximate time of day and location for the ceremony to give you our availability. Please plan arrival in NYC in order to pick up your license from the City Clerk's office at least 24 hours before the ceremony. There is a 24 hour waiting time after license is issued. Keep in mind the office is closed weekends and legal holidays.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I was a performer and writer, so creating weddings came naturally to me. My ceremonies can be as unique as you require or something traditional and simple. It's up to you, but I am skilled at adding the right phrase or changing a word here or there to make the ceremony fit you perfectly. Also, my voice projects well, my speech is clear, and I try to look my professional best on your special day.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love creating and performing marriages and being there for couples as they begin their married lives together. I know I am joining families together and helping to start new ones. I treasure photos couples send, not only of the wedding, but often of babies that arrive soon after.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I can honestly say that I'm proud of every ceremony I create. I have done a range of unusual ceremonies that required more creativity sometimes. For example, at the request of a Spanish and French speaking couple (I perform weddings in those languages too) I created a Pirate Wedding. Everyone, including this pirate minister, dressed as pirates before boarding a boat that circled NYC harbor. Before ordination I was in theatre so I loved writing and performing this wedding.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. I have a two tiered pricing system in NYC that includes a discount fee for elopements and small weddings under 20 people. Fees vary according to time & distance of location and complexity of the ceremony. My fees tend to be average but my service to my couples never is.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. It's a crowded field, so be sure you have the passion for it. Also, please, please don't be an amateur. Find a unique niche and excell at it.